Research BulletinResearch Research Bulletin Volume XXI Volume Spring/Summer 2016 Volume XXI • Number 1 • Number 1 Research Institute for Waldorf Education Waldorf for Institute Research RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR WALDORF PUBLICATIONS at the RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR WALDORF EDUCATION 38 Main Street Chatham, NY 12037 EDUCATIONWaldorf Table of Contents From the Editor Elan Leibner . 3 The Significance of Play in Evolution Bernd Rosslenbroich . 4 Developing Hybrid Minds: The Future Will Belong to the Nature-Smart Richard Louv . 23 Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education – A Dynamic Relationship Jost Schieren . 28 Waldorf Teachers – Artists or Mooncalves? Parzival and the New Knowledge Norman Skillen . 40 Core Principles of Waldorf Education: A Contribution to the Study of Core Principle #6 Judy Lucas . 48 A Contribution to the Study of Core Principle #7 Frances Vig . 55 Report from the Online Waldorf Library Marianne Alsop . 59 Report from Waldorf Publications Patrice Maynard . 60 Research Opportunities . 61 About the Research Institute for Waldorf Education . 62 Research Bulletin • Spring/Summer 2016 • Volume 21 • #1 From the Editor Elan Leibner ear Readers, world, yet the questions he raises and the This issue of the Research Bulletin brings approach he offers are both relevant to the wider Dtogether a number of articles that ponder the discussion about this important question. work of the educator from somewhat more Norman Skillen writes about the story of distant vantage points than those of recent Parzival as an example of a new way of knowing . issues . He describes Gawain and Parzival as each Our lead article, by Bernd Rosslenbroich, bridging, from opposite starting points, the gap is offered here courtesy of the Medical Section between Love and Reason and suggests that at the Goetheanum . It is a look at play as a therein lies a key challenge for Waldorf teachers phenomenon in animals and humans, as well as everywhere . an evolutionary manifestation of an increasing Schieren’s and Skillen’s contributions level of autonomy. Beautifully illustrated, it appeared originally in the online publication provides a thoughtful treatment of a behavior RoSE, or Research on Steiner/Waldorf Education that seems strangely out of place if one takes a (rosejourn .com) . This is a peer-reviewed, traditional evolutionary perspective. While longer academic publication originating in Europe, and a than our usual articles, it is rewarding reading worthwhile resource for those seeking academic that will leave the reader looking at child play research and perspectives on Waldorf education. with “new eyes.” Rosslenbroich also offers an From the Pedagogical Section Council’s intriguing possibility for viewing certain natural Judy Lucas and Frances Vig come the final two phenomena as nature’s own “play ”. contributions to the ongoing series supporting Celebrated author Richard Louv, of Last Child the Council’s “Core Principles of Waldorf in the Woods renown, is writing about nature Education” document. They look at the principles as a powerful incubator of creativity and as the of Relationships (#6) and Spiritual Orientation ideal complement to technology . He proposes (#7). The whole series was a response to requests that a new, hybrid mind that can incorporate for guidance in the study of this document, and both nature wisdom and technological acumen we hope that it has been able to achieve its will become the most sought-after kind of mind purpose . in the decades ahead . He is scheduled to have Reports from Waldorf Publications and the his new book, Vitamin N, published in April, and Online Waldorf Library can be found at the end of we are pleased to host his first contribution to the issue . the Research Bulletin in close proximity to this Happy readings! occasion . Jost Schieren, a frequent contributor to our Bulletin and a trustee of the Research Institute for Authors who wish to have articles considered Waldorf Education, writes about the relationship for publication in the Research Bulletin between anthroposophy and Waldorf education. should submit them directly to the Editor at: Schieren’s perspective is profoundly informed by [email protected]. the European, and particularly German, academic Research Bulletin • Spring/Summer 2016 • Volume 21 • #1 TheArticle Significance Title of Play in Evolution Bernd Rosslenbroich “ an only plays when in the full meaning of of their environment or of possible predators . the word he is a man, and he is only completely With play fighting, there is the danger of injury. Ma man when he plays ”. This famous statement Animals use valuable time for these activities, by Friedrich Schiller (On the Aesthetic Education which clearly are not required for survival, being of Man, 1794, quoted from BrainyQuote.com) focused as they are on activities that serve no is in some ways a riddle . Does man not have discernible purpose . more important things to do than, of all things, Often the assertion is made that movement play? What significance does it have that Schiller and behavior patterns are practiced during play, attributes such an important role to play? He which are needed later for the serious tasks of specifically relates humankind to play. Should life, such as catching prey, fighting with rivals, and play not be relegated a peripheral role to more so forth . This could be true: A few studies have important and serious activities, such as taking shown that animals with ample opportunity to care of daily needs or the development of play were later more skilled in these respects . prosperity, culture, and technology? Many more such studies, however, were unable In the following, first there will be a to demonstrate this at all . Animals that were able description of play in the animal world. Which to play only a little gained the necessary skills in animals play, when and how do animals play? other ways. (Bateson & Martin 2013) Then the significance of play in the human In the evolutionary comparison the question context will be explored. And finally, a thesis will remains: Why should it be necessary at all, in be formulated on the possible significance of play the case of higher animals, to practice these in evolution. important patterns of behavior? The rest of the animal kingdom manages without practicing Play in Behavioral Science in play . The behaviors required for survival are Study of the behavior of animals when inborn and proceed more or less as fixed instincts playing belongs to the domain of behavioral (so-called “fixed action patterns” or FAPs), which science, but if one looks more closely at seems much more sensible, because the behavior interpretations of the biological aspect of play, patterns are instantly available when they are they do not adequately address this remarkable needed . If, on the other hand, they need to be phenomenon . Play seems pointless and practiced first, much can go wrong. A frog does redundant where “the survival of the fittest” not need to practice catching a fly; he can just do is concerned. Repeatedly the attempt is made it. Why do many adult animals play even though to give play an adaptive or fitness-developing they already possess all the skills required? role, which however hasn’t really succeeded in Here even the usual cost-benefit calculations fail explaining it. (Bateson & Martin 2013) completely . Play uses energy, thus costs valuable Behavioral scientists are aware of this resources, but does not provide nourishment . It problem of interpretation, and play is perceived is dangerous, as playing animals are barely aware as being as much a riddle as before . Burghardt ______ (1998: 3) says: “The origins of vertebrate play are Translation by Astrid Klee obscure ”. Play is even described as a “biological Research Bulletin • Spring/Summer 2016 • Volume 21 • #1 Bernd Rosslenbroich • 5 paradox ”. (Fagen 1986: VII) “Animal play behavior and in the process reduce them to little pieces. In addresses a major biological paradox. Why movement games they stand on their heads, do do young and old animals of many species somersaults, land the wrong way, use branches as spend time and energy, and even risk physical swings, and make snowballs with which they then injury, performing the apparently unproductive play . behaviors colloquially called play? What makes A number of film teams have had the rubber this useless activity so important that animals seals removed from their cars, and no backpack literally risk their lives for it? And, even more is safe from their attention. It has even occurred curiously, why are humans both enchanted and that film equipment is dismantled before the enraged by play?” team has had a chance to make any recordings . Many popular textbooks on behavioral These birds also love to let the air out of car tires. research in animals and on the evolutionary Filmmakers Hans Schweiger and Ernst Arendt psychology of humans omit the topic completely, have captured this performance on film. They talk thus simply avoiding the issue . This applies of the keas’ “highly developed sense of nonsense: especially to books that are heavily adaptation- [T]hey played tricks on us, and we were not orientated . always sure who was observing A few books based on recent Today it is known whom ”. behavioral research describe the that all mammals On the other hand, other phenomenon comprehensively . play more or less vertebrates, such as reptiles and (Fagen 1981, Bekoff & Byers 1998, intensively. amphibians, as a rule, do not play . Burghardt 2005, Bateson & Martin There are some notable exceptions. 2013) Here the observations, There have been reports of komodo assessment, and analysis of play are at the dragons in captivity playing. It is possible to view forefront, even if no clarity about its evolutionary a dragon playing on the internet (fig. 5) .* Turtles meaning can be gained: Play seems to be in captivity have been documented playing with absolutely illogical—but somehow fascinating.